ESA and NEPA Hatchery Biologist

Description

Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii, Inc. (FISH) is seeking to hire an ESA and NEPA Hatchery Biologist to support a contract with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Region (WCR) Engineering & Physical Sciences Branch (EPSB). This is a full-time, primarily remote position that is anticipated to begin on May 1, 2025. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award. FISH will be operating under its FLOAT joint venture, a NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 prime contract holder. *

There are approximately 350 individual hatchery programs producing salmon and steelhead in the West Coast Region, including the Columbia River basin, Puget Sound, and along the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. The hatchery programs are largely implemented to provide adult fish for harvest in tribal and state fisheries as mitigation for lost natural-origin salmonid production in the region. A substantial number of the hatchery programs are also implemented for conservation purposes, to preserve and recover salmon and steelhead populations that are at risk of extirpation.

There are several Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed anadromous salmonid populations under NMFS’ regulatory purview that may be affected by operation of these hatchery programs. As such, each hatchery program has a Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) that describes how the hatchery program is operated. NMFS reviews the HGMPs under the ESA to ensure their effects do not jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of listed salmon and steelhead. The NMFS review and determination processes require completion of several effects evaluation and determination documents, and sometimes includes National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for effects to ESA-listed species under their jurisdiction (e.g., bull trout). 

NMFS lacks sufficient staff needed to perform scientific writing and expert analyses required to complete ESA and NEPA effects evaluation and determination documents for the many HGMPs submitted by the states and Tribes. Because of the numerous hatchery programs and HGMPs, NMFS requires support to assist in reviewing the plans, determining effects, and completing required documentation.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will perform the following key tasks:

  • Analyze biological effects in proposed HGMPs (e.g., genetic and ecological effects).
  • Draft sections of ESA documents that evaluate the effects of HGMPs and associated fisheries on ESA-listed species under NMFS jurisdiction.
  • Draft sections of NEPA documents for HGMPs.
  • Respond to comments on the NEPA documents provided during public comment periods.
  • Address comments received during internal review or by the co-managers on both NEPA and ESA documents.
  • Work with the NMFS staff to draft and complete NEPA and ESA effects evaluation and determination documents for regional submitted HGMPs, bundled by watershed or type of hatchery program.
  • Edit draft versions of NEPA sections prepared by others to prepare them for review within the West Coast Region, the hatchery co-managers, and the general public.
  • Review reports submitted by the hatchery managers to ensure compliance and/or consistency with existing ESA authorizations.

Deliverables

  • Environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact assessment (EIS) documents that are organized logically, flow smoothly, are free of errors, are concise, and support the central point.
  • Sections of ESA documents that are organized logically, flow smoothly, are free of errors, are concise, and support the central point.
  • Revised versions of NEPA and ESA documents that address internal, co-manager, and the general public concern. In addition, a “response to comments” may need to be prepared based on comments received on the draft NEPA document.
  • Revised versions of NEPA and ESA documents that address internal, co-manager, and the general public concern. In addition, a “response to comments” will need to be prepared based on public comments received on the draft NEPA document.
  • Monthly progress report to include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: accomplishments, issues encountered, travel (including purpose, significant outcomes, action items), recommendations, if applicable.

Requirements & Minimum Experience

  • Master’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university in the biological sciences. 
  • Fourteen (14) years of relevant work experience. 
  • Six (6) years of work experience with salmon and steelhead hatchery programs and assessing their effects on natural-origin fish populations. 
  • Experience drafting EAs and EISs consistent with NEPA, or drafting Biological Opinions consistent with the ESA.
  • Basic computer skills (MS Office, etc.).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Place of Performance

The selected candidate for this position will work up to 40 hours per week primarily offsite. When necessary for collaboration with NMFS staff, on-site access will occur primarily at NMFS offices located in Lacey or Seattle, WA. 

About FISH

FISH is a growing, woman owned small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. FISH, a trusted provider of resource management solutions, was established  by a passionate marine and fisheries scientist who calls Hawaii her home  and is driven by a profound commitment to the betterment of the marine ecosystem. FISH is a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) endowed with a diverse set of proficiencies in fisheries observation, marine biology, island coastal resource management, scientific research, policy and permitting, human dimensions, and cutting-edge technologies for applications such as electronic monitoring. FISH’s team of experts brings decades of applied  experience and is well-equipped to tackle complex marine challenges, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the most  pressing issues facing the world’s oceans. With a track record of excellence,  we stand at the forefront of the industry, continuously innovating to advance  sustainable solutions for marine conservation and management. 

Our Employees are what makes us great! We work hard to help you advance your career and we continuously evaluate the compensation, benefits, and opportunities we provide you for professional and personal growth because our success depends on you! FISH’s benefits include the following:

  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, with optional coverage for prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- term disability insurance
  • Long- term care insurance
  • Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Lifestyle benefits including access to financial planning, as well as discounted rates on services and memberships such as AAA
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

FISH is an E-Verify employer.

* This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT), a partnership between Lynker and Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii (FISH) serving the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle. 

FISH is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

Apply For This Position

To apply, please email your resume and current contact information to
[email protected] attention Josee Vincent.